Short Summary

The only known white lions in history, Temba and Tombi, have been captured by Chris McBride, a zoologist and wildlife expert, and put into a protective enclosure in the Timbavati private nature reserve in the Transvaal, South Africa.

Description

The only known white lions in history, Temba and Tombi, have been captured by Chris McBride, a zoologist and wildlife expert, and put into a protective enclosure in the Timbavati private nature reserve in the Transvaal, South Africa. Mr. McBride has described his action as the only route for the survival of the two lions.

Mr. McBride had sought permission from the local wildlife authority to bring the cubs into safekeeping. As soon as the order was obtained, he led a team to capture them using tranquilliser darts. The cubs are now safe at Timbavati and will remain there until a permanent refuge is selected for them.

SYNOPSIS: The wildlife expert had been tracking, observing and photographing the white lions since their birth two years ago but had kept their existence secret from all but a few trusted confidants until he was assured of their survival. Eight months ago, he discovered that their father had disappeared, presumably dead. He observed that serious social disorder was taking place in the pride to which Temba and Tombi belonged and that a new male had asserted leadership. The two white lions then became outcasts. The chances for their survival in the bush became slim. According to the wildlife expert, they would have starved as nomads without a pride because their white colour makes it impossible for them to stalk their prey. The expert had to literally hunt on their behalf during the last few months to provide game to keep them alive.